Puerto Rico is a United States territory, but it has its own health care system — different from the one in the mainland states. If you live on the Island or you are from Puerto Rico and moved to Florida or Texas, this guide explains all the options available in 2026.
The health care system in Puerto Rico
Unlike the 50 states, Puerto Rico does not fully participate in the federal ACA or in the Healthcare.gov marketplace. The Island has its own coverage framework, administered locally, with rules and programs that differ from those on the mainland.
This means that someone living on the Island cannot apply for federal ACA subsidies the way someone in Florida would. However, when they move to any U.S. state, they immediately gain the right to access the ACA with all of its benefits.
💡 Key fact: If you move from Puerto Rico to Florida or Texas, that counts as a Special Enrollment Period. You can apply for ACA insurance immediately — you do not have to wait for the open enrollment period.
Insurance options for residents of Puerto Rico
If you currently live in Puerto Rico, you have three main options for medical coverage:
1. Mi Salud (Puerto Rico Medicaid)
Mi Salud is Puerto Rico's Medicaid program, managed by the local government. It is designed for people with low incomes and covers a wide network of doctors and hospitals on the Island. To apply, you need to contact the Puerto Rico Department of Health or visit a local program office.
- Aimed at low-income families
- Includes doctor visits, hospitalization, medications and more
- Administered by private insurers under contract with the PR government
2. Private plans in Puerto Rico
Several insurers offer private health plans on the Island, such as Triple-S (SSS), MCS and First Medical. These plans work similarly to private plans in the states, but their premiums and coverage are designed for the Puerto Rico market.
- Available for employees and self-employed workers
- Monthly premiums that vary depending on the plan chosen
- Network of doctors and hospitals in Puerto Rico
3. ACA in Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico has its own insurance marketplace under the ACA, but with important limitations: residents of the Island do not receive the same federal subsidies as residents of the 50 states. This means that many people in Puerto Rico do not have access to the tax credits that make the ACA so affordable in Florida or Texas.
⚠️ Important: This is one of the reasons many people who move from Puerto Rico to the mainland are pleasantly surprised — in Florida or Texas they can get quality coverage for very little money thanks to the full federal subsidies.
Did you move from Puerto Rico to the states? The full ACA applies here
If you are from Puerto Rico and now live in Florida, Texas or another U.S. state, you have access to the ACA with all the federal subsidies, exactly like any other resident.
As a U.S. citizen (everyone from Puerto Rico is one), you do not need a visa or any special permit. You just need your new address in the state and a Social Security number to apply.
What subsidies can you receive in Florida or Texas?
The ACA subsidies (also called tax credits) can significantly reduce your monthly premium. The exact amount depends on your income, the size of your family and the plan you choose. The only way to know how much you would pay is to review your case with an advisor or on Healthcare.gov.
💡 A licensed advisor can calculate your eligibility and subsidies at no cost to you. Call us at (352) 890-3703.
Special Enrollment Period when you move from Puerto Rico
Moving from Puerto Rico to a mainland state is recognized by the federal government as a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). This means you can apply for ACA insurance immediately after your move, without waiting for the open enrollment period (November–January).
You have 60 days from the date of your move to apply under this special event. After that window, you will need to wait for the next open enrollment period.
- Apply within the first 60 days of arriving in the state
- You will need to prove your new address (lease, utility bill, etc.)
- Coverage can begin on the first day of the month after your application
Did you move from Puerto Rico to Florida or Texas?
Don't miss your 60-day window. We help you apply for ACA insurance quickly, for free, and in your language.
What options does someone from Puerto Rico have in Florida?
In Florida, people from Puerto Rico have access to the full ACA marketplace through Healthcare.gov. The options include plans at different levels (Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum) with networks of doctors and hospitals throughout the state.
- Bronze plan: Lowest premium, highest deductible — ideal if you are healthy and do not use your insurance much
- Silver plan: The most popular — a balance between premium and coverage, and the only one that gives access to additional cost-sharing reductions
- Gold plan: Higher premium, fewer out-of-pocket costs when you use your insurance — ideal if you go to the doctor often
Many people who move from Puerto Rico to Florida qualify for subsidies that significantly reduce their monthly premium. The exact amount depends on your income and the plan you choose — an advisor can calculate it at no cost to you.
Why HG Insurance Group?
At HG Insurance Group we understand the unique situation of people who move from Puerto Rico to the mainland. We are an independent bilingual agency, licensed in Florida, Texas and Puerto Rico, and we help hundreds of families every year navigate the insurance system with confidence.
- ✅ We speak your language — fluent, no barriers
- ✅ 100% free advice with no obligation
- ✅ Specialists in the Puerto Rico → Florida / Texas transition
- ✅ We compare all the plans available in your area
- ✅ We guide you through the entire enrollment process
- ✅ Support all year long, not just during open enrollment
How to get started?
If you arrived in Florida or Texas from Puerto Rico and need health insurance, contact us today. The consultation is free, we explain everything clearly, and we help you find the best plan for you and your family.
📞 (352) 890-3703 · 💬 WhatsApp: wa.me/13528903703